Critical Care Newsline — August 26, 2010

Critical Care Newsline, the electronic newsletter from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, contains information selected just for you by our clinical practice experts. In each issue, you’ll find links to resources, research abstracts (individual sites may require registration and a fee to access complete articles) and websites that will keep you informed on issues affecting nurses and the nursing profession.

1. NEWS AACN joins CCSC to support relief to Pakistan flood victims
Widespread flooding in northern parts of Pakistan has affected more than 17 million people who need life-saving humanitarian assistance. The Critical Care Societies Collaborative — including AACN, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine — encourages members to volunteer or donate to first responder relief organizations that work with World Health Organization’s Pakistan Health Cluster, among them are the American Red Cross, CARE USA, Save The Children and Doctors Without Borders. Access resources and information to help disaster victims here.

3. NEWS Submit AACN grant proposals in September
Submit proposals for AACN 2011 grants from Sept. 1-30. New this year is the AACN Impact Research Grant, designed to support experienced clinicians and researchers in inquiry and systematic research and generate new knowledge.

4. EVIDENCE CRNAs deliver safe, effective care without physician supervision
“No Harm Found When Nurse Anesthetists Work Without Supervision by Physicians” in August’s Health Affairs found no difference in patient mortality or complications between certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who were supervised by a physician and those who weren’t. “Based on our findings, we recommend that CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) allow certified registered nurse anesthetists in every state to work without the supervision of a surgeon or anesthesiologist,” the study concludes. The American Medical Association, Chicago, refutes the study on the Health Affairs blog.

6. EVIDENCE Study compares working conditions of Magnet and Non-Magnet hospitals
“Working conditions reported by nurses working in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals varied little,” concludes a study in July/August’s Journal of Nursing Administration. “A Comparison of Working Conditions Among Nurses in Magnet and Non-Magnet Hospitals” included 837 nurses at 171 hospitals. Magnet-designated hospitals must meet criteria from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Silver Spring, Md.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Baltimore, requests comments by Aug. 27 on a proposed ruling that requires hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs to have written policies and procedures on patients’ visitation rights. The president’s directive instructed the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., to propose that a “participating hospital not deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.” It suggests that rule-makers consider allowing participating hospitals to “restrict visitation in medically appropriate circumstances.” Read more in the April 29 Critical Care Newsline.

10. CLINICAL PRACTICE RESOURCESPatient safetyOn Aug. 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Md., announced a recall of 6 French Engage Introducers from St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., because of “the potential for separation of the shaft (sheath) from the hub or for a break in the hub assembly.”

The Aug. 18 Journal of the American Medical Association includes “Does This Patient Have Delirium?” — a review of 25 studies that describes the use of 11 delirium bedside instruments. The review states that “the best evidence” supports the use of the Confusion Assessment Method for assessing delirium in adults.

11. AACN RESOURCESLearn at home with E-LearningDevelop your clinical knowledge, anytime, anywhere, with the three AACN E-Learning courses, available for individual purchase. “The Preceptor Challenge” and the award-winning “Promoting Excellence in Palliative & End-of-Life Care” feature simulations of real-life experiences. “Essentials of Nurse Manager Orientation” helps new and experienced managers expand their management competencies. More information and pricing.

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